Zack's Alligator Goes to School

by Shirley Mozelle, James Watts (Illustrator)

Overview

Bridget, the sassy gator from the Glades, returns for more high-energy fun in this sequel to the popular I Can Read story Zack's Alligator!

Zack takes Bridget to school for show-and-tell, where she sings, skateboards, and generally turns the classroom upside down. For Zack's class, show-and-tell will never be the same!

This hilarious Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who can read on their own but still need a little help.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780064442480
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/01/1998
Series:	I Can Read Book 2 Series , #1
Edition description:	REPRINT
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	127,616
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.19(d)
Lexile:	470L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Shirley Mozelle is also the author of Zack's Alligator and Zack's Alligator Goes to School, as well as several critically acclaimed picture books. She lives in Tampa, Florida.

James Watts is a published author and illustrator of children’s and young adult books. He also illustrated Zack's Alligator and Zack's Alligator Goes to School. He lives in San Francisco.

Interviews

Hello from the Author!

I love Zack's Alligator Goes To School and I love Zack's Alligator and I love Bridget and I love Zack; they're all Fun, Fun, Fun, and who doesn't love that, Fun. Imagination is the key to life, and more life. Zack and Bridget know that, and so do children's writers. And the kids who love to read, read fun books, books of imagination, adventure, humor. Afterall, why shouldn't life be fun; it should be. And Bridget and her partner Zack know that, also; I'm glad Bridget and Zack are a part of my spirit and my imagination and that they allow me to write about them. Of course, another Zack and Bridget story is in the works! Also, Spring of 2000, I have a new book out from Clarion Publishers, a picture book: The Pig Is In The Pantry, The Cat Is On The Shelf. .... Have a Gator Day and Happy Reading! Shirley Mozelle, Jacksonville, Florida (not far from the Glades, where Zack and Bridget and I regularly travel...at least in our minds). P.S. Thanks to Barnes and Nobles for carrying the best of books!

Also recommended: Arnold Lobel, Beatrix Potter, William Steig, Doug Cushman, Charlotte Zolotow, Nina Ignatowicz, Laura Geringer, James Marshall, Petra Mathers, Nancy Jewell, Thacher Hurd, Wanda Gag, Karla Kuskin...My Illustrators, James Watts and Jennifer Plecas.

—Shirley Mozelle

Editorial Reviews

Zack's alligator, Bridget, is quite unusual. She's only an alligator key chain when she arrives, but when Zack waters her (per instructions), Bridget becomes a lively full-sized gator who is ready for some fun. She eats heartily, sneaks cookies, wrestles with the garden hose, rides a merry-go-round, does cartwheels, and more. Watts' colored-pencil and black-outline illustrations underscore the humorous events. The portraits of Bridget are especially expressive and appealing. Late in the afternoon, Bridget shrinks back to her original size, but Zack promises to water her every day. (Until then Bridget is safe in Zack's pocket.) In her first book, Mozelle has created a delightful new character whom beginning readers will hope to meet again.
— School Library Journal

Gale W. Sherman

When Uncle Jim sends his nephew an alligator key chain, Zack runs it under the water as instructed. Suddenly, a full-grown alligator, Bridget, appears in the tub. Zack's Mom takes all of Bridget's actions--stuffing herself with food, getting tangled up in the hose--in stride, but Zack has all he can do to keep up with the creature. Happily, Bridget goes back to key-chain size at night, with the promise of being "watered" to full scale the next day. Amusing antics will keep new readers turning the pages, and zesty watercolors, starring the athletic Bridget, add fun.
— ALA Booklist

Cooper